You know that feeling when everything starts looking exactly the same? Walk through a parking lot today and it’s a sea of four-cylinder turbos and iPad-sized screens glued to dashboards. It’s predictable. It’s fine. But it’s also a little bit soul-crushing if you actually enjoy driving. That is exactly why the 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is such a weird, delightful outlier.
Lexus basically looked at the German competition and decided to do its own thing. While everyone else was downsizing engines and adding complex mild-hybrid systems, Lexus kept the heart of the beast: a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. It’s old school. It’s honest.
Honestly, the IS has been around in its current "bones" for a while now. Some critics call it dated. I call it refined. By 2023, Lexus had ironed out almost every single quirk that usually plagues a luxury sport sedan. You aren't a beta tester here. You’re driving the final, polished version of a mechanical philosophy that values longevity and tactile feedback over gimmicky tech.
What actually makes the 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport different?
If you're looking at the spec sheet, you’ll see 311 horsepower. On paper, that sounds competitive, but it isn't going to win many drag races against a BMW M340i or an Audi S4. Those cars use turbochargers to dump torque at low RPMs. They’re fast, sure. But they feel digital.
The 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is different because of how that power arrives. It’s linear. You have to work for it. You rev it out toward the 6,600 RPM redline, and the sound—oh, the sound—is real. Lexus actually uses an intake sound generator that isn't just fake noise pumped through speakers; it’s actual air vibrating through a tuned canister. It’s mechanical music.
The handling is where things get interesting. In 2021, Lexus introduced the "Lexus Driving Signature" at their Shimoyama test track. They basically stiffened the chassis and lightened the suspension components. For the 2023 model year, this pays off in a car that feels incredibly planted. The steering isn't as "darty" as a Giulia, but it has a weight to it that inspires a massive amount of confidence when you’re diving into a canyon curve.
It’s got a personality. It’s sort of like that friend who still shoots film photography. Sure, digital is faster and "better" by most metrics, but there’s a texture to the film that you just can't replicate with software.
The Drivetrain Dilemma: RWD vs. AWD
There is a huge catch that most people miss when they go to a dealership. If you buy the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) version, you get an 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s snappy. It’s modern. It’s what you want.
But if you live in a place with snow and opt for the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) version? You’re stuck with a 6-speed automatic.
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Yeah, you read that right. Six speeds in 2023.
Does it ruin the car? No. But it changes the vibe. The 6-speed is a bit slower to downshift and lacks the crispness of the 8-speed. Plus, the AWD model has this weird hump in the driver’s footwell to accommodate the transfer case. It’s a literal bump in the floor. If you have big feet, you’ll notice it. Most owners get used to it after a week, but it’s one of those "Lexus quirks" that reminds you this platform has deep roots.
That Interior: A Masterclass in Mixed Signals
Stepping inside the 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is a trip. The materials are incredible. We’re talking about NuLuxe synthetic leather that actually feels better and lasts longer than most real cowhides. The fit and finish is typical Lexus—tight, silent, and built to survive a nuclear blast.
But then you see the CD player.
Seriously. In 2023, Lexus kept a physical CD player in the dash. Some people laugh at it. Personally? I think it’s brilliant. There is something deeply satisfying about the tactile buttons for volume and tuning. You don't have to dive through three sub-menus just to turn down the AC. You just turn a knob. It works.
The infotainment was the big upgrade recently. They finally moved the screen closer to the driver and made it a touchscreen. You can still use the infamous "touchpad" on the center console if you really want to frustrate yourself, but the fact that you can just tap the screen for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto makes the car feel ten years newer than the 2020 model.
- The Mark Levinson Audio: If you find a model with the 17-speaker, 1,800-watt sound system, buy it. Don’t even think about it. It is widely considered one of the best factory audio systems in any car under $100,000. It’s crisp, balanced, and makes every commute feel like a private concert.
- The Seats: F Sport seats are legendary. They hug you in all the right places without feeling like they’re trying to crush your ribs. Long road trips in this car are a breeze because the ergonomics are just... correct.
Reliability is the Real Flex
Let’s be real for a second. Most people buying a luxury sport sedan are leasing them because they’re terrified of the repair bills once the warranty expires. They know those German sensors and plastic cooling parts are ticking time bombs.
The 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is the car you actually buy. You keep it for ten years. You give it to your kid. The 2GR-FKS engine under the hood is a workhorse. It’s been used in everything from the Tacoma to the GS, and it is famously over-engineered.
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There are no turbos to blow. No complex air suspension to leak. It’s just high-quality metal and proven electronics. According to J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, Lexus consistently sits at the top of the heap for a reason. You’re trading a few tenths of a second in a 0-60 sprint for the peace of mind that your car will actually start every single morning for the next two decades.
Handling the Competition
When you compare this to a Genesis G70 or an Acura TLX, the Lexus feels "smaller" in a good way. It wraps around you. The G70 is faster and has a more modern interior, but it doesn't have the same "hewn from a solid block of granite" feel. The Acura is a front-wheel-drive-based platform, and you can feel it in the corners; it just doesn't have the balance of the rear-drive Lexus.
The biggest competitor is actually its big brother, the IS 500 with the V8. But that car is significantly more expensive and, honestly, a bit of a handful. The IS 350 is the "Goldilocks" zone. It has enough power to be fun but not so much that you’re constantly worried about losing your license or spinning out in the rain.
Real-World Ownership: The Thirsty Reality
If there’s one "gotcha" with the 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport, it’s the fuel economy.
Basically, it’s a lush.
You’re looking at an EPA-rated 20 mpg in the city and maybe 28 on the highway if you’re driving like a saint. In the real world? Expect about 22 mpg combined. Since it requires premium fuel, your gas card is going to take a hit.
The trunk is also on the smaller side. It’s 10.8 cubic feet. To put that in perspective, a Honda Civic has more room for groceries. If you’re a golfer, you’re going to be playing Tetris with your clubs. It’s a driver’s car, not a moving van.
Why the 2023 Model Year is the Sweet Spot
Why focus on 2023? Because by this year, Lexus added the "Handling Package" options which include the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and a Torsen limited-slip differential. If you find a 2023 model with these boxes checked, you’re getting the pinnacle of the IS 350’s evolution.
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It also marked the year they introduced some killer appearance packages. The "Special Appearance Package" with the Incognito (grey) paint and obsidian black hood/roof combo is a head-turner. It makes the car look like a custom build straight from the factory.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you’re serious about putting a 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport in your driveway, don't just walk into a dealer and pick the prettiest color. There are specific things to look for that change the entire experience.
First, check the VIN for the RWD vs. AWD distinction. If you don't absolutely need the extra traction for winter, get the RWD. The 8-speed transmission and the lighter front end make it a much more engaging car to drive.
Second, look for the "Dynamic Handling Package." You want those BBS forged wheels. Not only do they look aggressive, but they reduce unsprung weight, which actually improves how the car reacts to bumps and steering inputs.
Third, verify the service history. Even though these are reliable, the 3.5L V6 appreciates regular oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Lexus owners usually baby their cars, so finding a one-owner vehicle with a clean Lexus Drivers portal record is your best bet.
Fourth, test the infotainment. Ensure the 10.3-inch screen is functioning correctly and that the smartphone integration connects without lag. While you're there, turn on the ventilated seats. Lexus has some of the most powerful seat coolers in the industry—it’s a life-saver in July.
The 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport isn't trying to be the most technologically advanced car on the road. It’s trying to be a high-quality, high-performance tool that lasts forever. In a world of disposable tech, that is a rare and valuable thing.
Final Maintenance Tip: Keep an eye on the tire wear. The IS 350 F Sport uses a staggered tire setup (wider in the rear), and the factory bushings are known to be a bit soft, which can lead to inner tire wear. Many enthusiasts swap the lower control arm bushings for the ones from the Lexus RC F to sharpen the steering and save their tires. It's a cheap, 30-minute fix that pays for itself in rubber alone.